The suit says the legislation treads into an area governed by state law.

“The Mayor made clear in his veto message that this anti-profiling measure is illegal — and today we are taking action on his behalf to prevent the law from taking effect,” said Corporation Counsel Michael A. Cardozo of the New York City Law Department. “This suit is necessary to prevent the City Council from enacting laws where the State’s exclusive authority has been established.”

The mayor and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly have said making it easier to file lawsuits against the department could have a chilling effect on officers and would divert police resources to legal cases instead of the streets.

Under the City Council measure, lawsuits could not seek monetary damages only changes to policy.